Summary: Since my son started playing Xbox live I needed to upgrade my original 2-3 year old D-link (DI-524; basic g) router. After research, and reading all the horror stories/reviews about each manufacturer’s offering of routers, I decided I might as well stay with what has worked for me: D-link (also, I use D-link’s “SecureSpot” hardware security and I figured compatibility might be improved if I stayed with a D-link router.)

I chose D-link’s DIR-625 Platinum series (Rangebooster N) router. Carefully, I followed the instructions to a “t” — disconnecting my old router first, running the cable modem’s ethernet cable directly to a single PC, and installing the new D-link software — I was relieved (and pleasantly surprised) that it could not have been easier. Along the way, and as prompted, I downloaded the latest firmware. After successfully getting the “main” pc surfing the Internet, I added others just as easily and without installing the CD software on each pc (I either plugged in the ethernet cable to an open port on the router, or I entered my security key on the wireless laptops.)

The range is MUCH improved; I’m not sure about the speed (but I wasn’t having a problem before.) I think most others who are careful to follow clear, simple instructions they shouldn’t have a problem.

2.User umdajs said:

Pros: Amazing range. Simple setup. Comprehensive features

Cons: Not much faster then my old 54mps Netgear

Summary: Easy setup when I had my laptop connected directly to the router. When I then tried to get online with my desktop after setup couldnt get online. I called d-link and they suggested unistalling and reinstalling my usb wireless adaptor drivers and that did the trick no problems after that. works great. Amazing range. I have the Belkin N wireless usb adaptor and about 50 feet away and 3 walls i get 80-90% connectivity, or excellent for you XP users. Only bummer was it is not much faster then the 54mps netgear I had which is why I really upgraded.

Updated
The range and speed are very good using the N band. The theoretical for the router is 300mbs download speed, but the actual is 150 mbs. Then of course your limited a second time by the ISP. I have comcast, so the actual actual speed has averaged 16 mbs. This is a decent increase over what I had before with my 54 mbs Netgear which averaged about 8-10 mbs download speed.

3.User takemout said:

Pros: Great Range and Speed

Cons: No gigabit ports

Summary: This is the best router I have ever owned. It has great speed and range. I have been using the router for about a 2 weeks and it has not dropped connection. The firmware offers plenty options and customization. I have 4 bars everywhere in my home now. No dead spots. The was easy but I have a cable modem so the only thing I had to do was change the mac address and turn on the wireless security.